I need ideas to use for a temporary brooder!!

[cindyanne1]

My new baby chicks came today (SO CUTE) but I'm having problems keeping the temp up in the guinea pig cage I'm using for a brooder. I put shields of folded newspaper around it to hold in the heat, but it's not working. What needs to happen is the light needs to be lower, but because of the roof of the guinea pig cage, I can't lower it any more (it's resting on top of the wires as it is!)

Currently in my house I have NO cardboard boxes that would do the job. I have no Rubbermaid containers that are large enough (although I'm eyeballing a few out in the garage's attic that belong to my sister in law... think she would mind if I dumped out her stuff and put chicks in her Rubbermaid container? Just kidding... maybe... lol)

Any other ideas? What have you all used in a pinch? I need to run to town and get some kind of bin, but gah!! I was just there yesterday and I DO NOT WANT to drag the kids out again!!

Suggestions! I need them!!

Edited to add there are 8 chicks.

 

[astylishgirl]

We use one of the big plastic storage boxes...like your rubbermaid containers. They work perfectly. The kind you get at walmart or target. I put puppy liners on the bottom and then put paper towels on top so they don't slip. I have an old refridge shelf that I put on top and put my lamp on it. I have also used a desk lamp that bent over to keep them warm.

Do a search for Brooders on here and you will get pictures that show this. Some people cut out the top and put wire in it.

 

[sonew123]

towels around the cage sides? 2 lights?

I'm using big plastic totes and I also have big cardboard boxes to throw away when dirty...I always keep my out for those things..Now..hahaha

 

[karen71]

Maybe try putting cloth around the outside of the wires to keep the heat in

I had my chickies in a wire dog crate and the bulb kept it waarm enough in there so I di dnto have to put anythong up nut that is all I can think of

good luck

 

[Uzuri]

Can you put it under something? A table? A desk? Something that would help keep the heat close to the ground.

 

[ijon1]

I use a stock water tank. It gives them plenty of room to run around

 

[HenPen]

Try lining the cage with Reynolds wrap foil...I was in a pinch and had to use a hampster cage for my bearded dragon and he needed alot of heat,I lined the walls and one spot on top with the foil and used a higher wattage light bulb and I was able to keep the heat in alot better....can you increase the bulb wattage?? I used a fish tank as a temporary brooder.

 

[Judy]

Yeah, cloth; towels or a blanket or two. Maybe PARTLY cover the top.

Are you sure it is too cold in there? Are they piling on top of one another? Can you stick a thermometer in there? What temp are you trying to get it to? They often don't need it nearly as high as 95. If they are running around they are not too cold.

 

[Javamama]

Can you set the light off to one side? That's assuming that it's a wire cage. I am using a dog kennel and hung my light from a plant stand that I put next to it so that it shines through the side toward the bottom.

 

[kingmt]

For only 8 chicks anything should work. You probably have a cooking pan they could stay in for a few days. What about the box they came in? Are they laying on top of each other & chirping continuously? If not then they should be warm. Why can you not put the light on the inside of the box?